Solve (x + 6)/2 = 9 (Step by Step)

How to solve the two-step equation (x + 6)/2 = 9, where x + 6 is divided by 2, with every step explained and a quick check of the answer.

Here 6 is added to x first, and then the whole thing is divided by 2. Undo them in reverse order: undo the divide by 2 by multiplying by 2, then take away the 6.

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Step-by-step solution

Solve (x + 6)/2 = 9

Start with the equation: (x + 6)/2 = 9.
Multiply both sides by 2 to undo the ÷ 2: ((x + 6)/2) × 2 = 9 × 2, so x + 6 = 18.
Subtract 6 from both sides to undo the + 6: x + 6 − 6 = 18 − 6, so x = 12.
Check your answer: put x = 12 back in. (12 + 6)/2 = 18/2 = 9. Both sides match, so x = 12 is correct. ✓

Answer: x = 12

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Frequently asked questions

Why multiply by 2 first this time?

The brackets mean the whole x + 6 is divided by 2. Dividing happened last, so it is undone first: multiply both sides by 2 to get x + 6 = 18.

Can I subtract 6 first?

Not straight away. The 6 is inside the brackets and is being divided by 2 along with x, so you would have to take away 6/2 = 3 instead: x/2 = 6, which still gives x = 12.

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